The West Semitic languages are a proposed major sub-grouping of
Semitic languages. One widely accepted analysis, supported by
semiticists like
Robert Hetzron and John Huehnergard, divides the Semitic language family into two branches:
Eastern and Western. The former consists of the
extinct Eblaite and
Akkadian languages, the latter of the rump of the Semitic languages. It consists of the clearly defined sub-groups:
Ethiopic,
South Arabian,
Arabic and
Northwest Semitic (this including
Hebrew,
Aramaic and
Ugaritic). The first two, Ethiopic and South Arabian, show particular common features, and are often grouped together as
South Semitic. The correct classification of Arabic with respect to other Semitic languages is debated. In older classifications, it is grouped with the South Semitic languages. However, Hetzron and Huehnergard connect it more closely with the Northwest Semitic languages, to form
Central Semitic. Some semiticists continue to argue for the older classification based on the distinctive feature of
broken plurals.
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